Tuscany in January: Weather, Things to Do & Why It’s a Great Time to Visit
Timeless Wanderers: Published August 8, 2025
Is January a Good Time to Visit Tuscany?
While most travelers dream of Tuscany’s rolling vineyards in summer, January offers a different kind of magic—quieter towns, mist-covered valleys, and a pace of life that feels timeless.
It’s the month when Tuscany slows down, allowing you to see its art-filled cities, medieval villages, and countryside landscapes without the crowds.
Whether you’re exploring Florence’s world-class museums, soaking in the natural hot springs of Saturnia, or joining locals for the winter food festivals.
January in Tuscany promises authentic Italian charm, cozy moments, and incredible value for money.
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We can help you plan your dream trip to Tuscany, with a personalised itinerary designed just for you.
After more than 20 years of travelling to Tuscany—and loving it so much we decided to make it our home—we now live here and explore the region at a relaxed, local pace.
Planning a trip to Tuscany is exciting, but choosing where to go, how long to stay, and how to get around can quickly become overwhelming.
That’s where we come in. We offer a personalised planning service that helps you decide exactly how to explore Tuscany, based on your travel style, budget, and pace.
Plus, we can help you plan scenic drives, time in hilltop towns, food and wine experiences, and those small local moments that make a trip truly special—making your Tuscany holiday easier, smoother, and full of memories you’ll treasure long after you return home.
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What to Expect in Tuscany in January
Tuscany in January is peaceful in a way you don’t get in the spring or summer.
The rolling hills are bare, vineyards rest under winter frost, and olive groves stand silent against the grey sky.
Even Florence feels different—more intimate, quieter, and easier to navigate.
For us, this is one of the best times to just wander and discover.
You can stroll along the Arno without bumping into crowds, explore the Uffizi or Accademia at your own pace, and enjoy long lunches without feeling rushed.
Cafés are cozy, restaurants feel warm and inviting, and the locals are happy to chat and share a smile.
January is also ideal for photography.
Misty mornings, golden winter light, and snow-dusted hills make Tuscany look straight out of a storybook.
It’s slower, quieter, and perfect for travelers who want an authentic experience.
Tuscany Weather in January
January is definitely winter in Tuscany, but it’s not harsh—just cool and crisp.
Daytime temperatures: 7–10°C (45–50°F)
Nighttime temperatures: 0–3°C (32–37°F)
Sunlight: Around 9 hours a day
Snow: Rare in cities but common in higher hills or mountains
The mornings can be foggy, the air crisp, and evenings cold enough to make a fireside dinner extra satisfying.
Bring layers, waterproof shoes, a warm coat, and a scarf—you’ll be comfortable and able to enjoy the countryside and cities alike.
Why Visit Tuscany in January
We wouldn’t trade January for any other month. Here’s why:
No Crowds – Museums, streets, and even the Leaning Tower of Pisa feel peaceful. You can explore at your own pace without long lines or crowded squares.
Authentic Local Life – Winter is when Tuscany belongs to the locals. Markets bustle with fresh produce, trattorias serve seasonal comfort food, and the towns feel lived-in rather than touristy.
Lower Prices – Hotels and tours are cheaper after the holidays, and some luxury stays that are usually expensive in summer suddenly feel more affordable.
Seasonal Food and Wine – Winter dishes like wild boar stew, ribollita, and fresh truffles are at their best. Chianti, Brunello, and Vin Santo are perfect companions to hearty meals.
Cozy Atmosphere – Open fireplaces, warm cafés, and softly lit streets create an intimate, inviting experience you rarely get in peak season.
*Read my full guide* The 14 Best Things to Do in Tuscany: The Complete Guide (2026)
Festivals and Events in January
Even in winter, Tuscany has plenty to offer:
1. Epiphany (La Befana) – January 6
The end of the Christmas season is celebrated with parades, markets, and sweets for children.
In Florence, the Cavalcata dei Magi features locals in Renaissance costumes parading through the city center.
2. Olive Oil and Truffle Tastings
January is prime time for freshly pressed olive oil and truffles.
Farms across Chianti, San Miniato, and Val d’Orcia host tastings that feel intimate and personal.
3. Winter Sales (Saldi Invernali)
Shops across Tuscany start their winter sales with discounts of 30–70%.
Florence, Siena, and Lucca are perfect for shopping, fans looking for fashion, leather goods, or artisan treasures.
4. Pre-Carnevale Festivities
By late January, towns like Viareggio begin decorating for Carnevale, offering early glimpses of colorful parades and local traditions.
Things to Do in Tuscany in January
Even with cooler weather, there’s plenty to keep you busy:
Florence without the crowds: Explore the Uffizi, Accademia, or Pitti Palace without waiting in line.
Siena: Wander medieval streets, admire the Duomo, and enjoy hearty winter dishes in quiet trattorias.
Thermal Springs: Relax in Saturnia, Bagno Vignoni, or Bagni San Filippo—perfect for cold winter days.
Val d’Orcia: Misty mornings and golden winter light make villages like Pienza and San Quirico d’Orcia unforgettable.
Wine tasting: Chianti and Montalcino wineries are open, offering quiet, personal tastings.
Day tours from Tuscany
Florence in January
Florence feels like a city just for you. Fewer tourists mean more time to enjoy:
Climbing Giotto’s Bell Tower for crisp winter views
Strolling the Arno River at sunset
Warming up in cafés with hot chocolate or espresso
Visiting Oltrarno artisan workshops
Evenings are perfect for a long dinner, a glass of Chianti, and people-watching in quiet squares.
Tours of Florence
Joining a tour can help save you time waiting in line, allow you to learn more about Florence from a knowledgeable guide, and introduce you to sights that you may not be able to do on your own.
Here are some of the best tours in Florence.
This small group tour is the perfect way to get the most out of your visit to the Uffizi Gallery.
Climb the dome, visit the Baptistery, and tour the Opera del Duomo Museum with an experienced guide on this small group tour.
Take a guided tour of the Uffizi and Accademia.
Go shopping in the central market in Florence and then learn how to cook a Tuscan meal. This tour gets nothing but rave reviews.
Take a food tour of Florence or a 2-hour guided sightseeing bike tour.
Day Trips from Florence
Where to Stay in January
Florence:
Luxury: Portrait Firenze
Mid-range: Hotel L’Orologio
Budget: Ostello Bello Firenze
Siena:
Palazzo Ravizza – historic with fireplaces
Hotel Athena – central with warm hospitality
Chianti & Countryside:
Castello Di Meleto – offers a country house with a swimming pool
Castello di Fonterutoli – Wine Resort is a medieval country village in Tuscany’s Chianti
Many agriturismo close in January, so it’s best to book ahead, but the ones that are open offer unbeatable winter charm and value.
P.S. You can read my full guide on Where to Stay in Florence for more hotel recommendations and insights!
Other accommodation in Tuscany.
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Winter City Break
Day 1: Florence – Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, evening Christmas market stroll.
Day 2: Day trip to Siena for the market and Gothic architecture.
Day 3: Lucca’s city walls by bicycle and hot chocolate in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.
5-Day Countryside Escape
Days 1–2: Florence highlights.
Day 3: Chianti for winery tastings and olive oil sampling.
Day 4: Val d’Orcia—Pienza and Montepulciano under a winter mist.
How to Spend 7 Magical Days in Tuscany by Car
Car rental – If you plan to visit countryside towns and vineyards, a rental car is invaluable in January.
What to Pack
Warm coat and layers
Scarves, gloves, and hats
Waterproof shoes or boots
Umbrella for misty mornings
Camera for winter landscapes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is January a good time to visit Tuscany?
Yes! Quiet streets, shorter lines, and authentic experiences make it perfect for off-season travelers.
2. Are museums and restaurants open?
Major museums in cities are open; restaurants may close briefly after Epiphany, so check in advance.
3. Can you visit wineries?
Yes — tastings and cellar tours are available, often in a more intimate setting than summer.
4. Is there snow?
Snow is rare in cities but common in higher elevations like Monte Amiata or Abetone.
5. How should you get around?
Trains are fine for cities; a car is ideal for countryside exploration.
- Car rental – If you plan to visit countryside towns and vineyards, a rental car is invaluable in January.
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Tuscany?
(Short Answer: Yes — It’s Still a Smart Idea)
Travel insurance isn’t legally required to visit Tuscany, but it’s one of the smartest things you can have when travelling in Italy.
Even in a relaxed destination like Tuscany, things can go wrong — from delayed flights and lost luggage to medical issues, rental car damage, or unexpected trip cancellations. And while Italy has excellent healthcare, medical treatment for visitors can still be costly without proper coverage.
As long-term travellers living in Italy, we’ve found SafetyWing to be a practical option for trips around Europe, offering coverage for medical care, travel delays, and lost belongings without complicated fine print.
SafetyWing
(Best for Long-Term Travel & Affordability)
We personally use SafetyWing, and have since 2019.
It’s perfect for travelling, spending multiple weeks or a whole year abroad.
You can get a Quote here.
It’s the kind of insurance you hope you never need—but you’ll be very glad you have if something unexpected happens.
Final Thoughts
January in Tuscany is slow, peaceful, and unexpectedly beautiful.
It’s the kind of travel where you can linger over a meal, soak in the winter light, and truly feel the region’s character.
From quiet hilltop towns to warm firesides in Florence, Tuscany in January shows a side of Italy that’s authentic, intimate, and unforgettable.
PLAN YOUR TUSCANY ADVENTURE
These are our favorite companies we use when planning a trip, they consistently have the best prices, great customer service, and overall, are better than their competitors.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT – Going is a great search engine if you are flexible about your travel destination and dates. Sign up for their newsletter and get the latest deals on destinations around the world. GOING is our new go to.
CAR RENTAL – We recommend using Discover Cars or Rental Cars when booking a car rental, they work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs.
TRAINS – TRAINLINE – is our favorite, this site is very reliable and easy to use.
BUS – OMIO – this website allows you to book train or bus tickets to travel from city to city the best and cheapest way. FLIXBUS is another terrific website with routes between 20 European countries.
ACCOMMODATIONS
BOOKING.com – is our go to for hotel searches around the world, we find they always have the cheapest rates and offer different payment options. In addition, VRBO is another terrific website for all types of accommodations.
HOSTELWORLD – is great if you’re traveling on a budget, and if you need a cheap place to stay.
SIGHTSEEING TOURS
GET YOUR GUIDE – is our favorite; they have stacks of tours and excursions available in cities all over the world. VIATOR is another great website for all types of tours.
TAKE WALKS – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SAFETY WING – is our go to travel medical insurance company, especially for longer trips. You can either purchase a monthly plan or a plan for specific trip dates (i.e. 1-2 week trips). They cover people from all over the world, while outside their home country.
ARC’TERYX – is a go to reliable brand for outdoor adventure and travel, their wide range includes light weight durable, easy to clean travel gear.
Check out our RESOURCE PAGE for more additional planning.